Authorities arrest individuals for selling overpriced medical items

April 10, 2020

Authorities apprehended individuals for selling overpriced and hoarded medical items worth a total of P238,500 in a series of operations early this week.

Maj. Aristides Galang, Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesman, said a female suspect was arrested in Benavidez Street in Tondo  last Tuesday.

Galang said authorities confiscated 176 gallons of alcohol and 68,000 pieces of face masks which could have been sold for a total of P2,025,440.00.

On the same day, two individuals were arrested at Cebu Belmont Inc., Mandaue Branch in Cebu City for selling overpriced thermal scanners.

Sixteen pieces of thermal scanner were confiscated which were sold for P5,500 each.

Galang said a man was also arrested on April 6 for selling thermal scanners for P4,500 each

Authorities also confiscated 27 thermal scanners in Panagdait, Mabolo, Cebu City.

Meanwhile, 156 gallons of alcohol were taken from two sellers in  Balete Drive, Quezon City on the same date.

"The apprehended individuals were brought to their respective police stations and will face charges for violating Republic Act 10623 (Amended Price Act), RA 7394 (Consumer Act of the Philippines) and Department of Trade qnd Industry Memorandum Circular on Anti-Hoarding and Anti-Panic Buying in relation with Proclamation No. 922 and RA 11469 (Bayanihan to Heal as One Act)," he said. Robina Asido/DMS